4.3 Gravitational Potential Energy

- Energy that is the result in position

- *Remember* : FG = mg

So, the equation used to find the changes of gravitational energy (near earth’s surface) calculates the work done to raise a mass of known amount.

Therefore, it’s a variation of the “Work” formula from Chapter 4.1

W = F Δd
= FG Δh
= mg Δh so, ΔEG = mg Δh

So, m = mass of object (kg)
g = gravitational filed strength (9.8 N/kg)
Δh= magnitude of vertical displacement (h2 – h1)(in metres)
ΔEG = change in gravitational energy of the object (Joules)

Things to Remember from this chapter:

- Datum, upside down triangle to indicate the lowest point or reference “zero” point on a diagram


By: Akshay Nair